Benjamin Netanyahu warns Hamas of strikes over kites launched from Gaza

Key Points:

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas that if kite launches from Gaza into Israeli territory do not stop immediately, the IDF will escalate strikes targeting those responsible and may evacuate populations in affected areas.
• Over the past week, at least six kites crossed into Israel from Gaza, with recent launches attributed to young teenagers allegedly operated by Hamas; residents and IDF soldiers have criticized the military's slow response and lack of briefing on the threat.
• The IDF is monitoring the kite incidents closely but has yet to implement active defensive or retaliatory measures, while continuing operations against Hamas operatives, including eliminating 13 militants in the past week.
• Officials emphasized that no explosives have been found on the kites so far and that there has been no public danger, but concerns remain about the military's ability to detect and respond to such threats in real time.
• Local leaders expressed frustration that the situation resembles pre-October 7 conditions, urging the military to improve real-time response capabilities and communication with affected communities to prevent a return to previous patterns of attacks.